Gahanna staff report progress on Exploration Center, Academy Park tree removals and ODOT wayfinding grant
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Summary
City staff said drywall and insulation work is underway at the Exploration Center, trees at Academy Park were removed to meet ODNR/Indiana bat timing ahead of reconstruction, and a $136,000 ODOT grant was secured for wayfinding signage along the Big Walnut Trail.
Gahanna Parks staff reported construction progress and funding for several park projects and said some work is timed to comply with wildlife protection rules.
Staff said insulation is installed and drywall delivery is expected by the end of the week at the Exploration Center on Price Road, marking visible progress toward interior finishes. "We have insulation, so that's exciting. Drywall is expected to be here by the end of the week," staff noted during project updates.
On Academy Park, staff confirmed tree removals are underway as part of a parking-lot redesign and are being executed now to comply with ODNR timing related to the Indiana bat. Staff emphasized the removals are being handled by the city's arbor crew to control costs and timing: "There is a requirement through ODNR because of the Indiana bat...so we have to take them down now." Board members asked for clarification and staff agreed to provide follow-up details as needed.
Staff also told the board that a project manager secured ODOT funding (reported in the packet as $136,000) to support wayfinding signage along the Big Walnut Trail. The grant will fund kiosks and signage at parks adjacent to the trail, staff said.
Friendship Park playground renderings were shown to the board in December and staff said the next design phase will finalize site elements such as benches, trash receptacles and trail connections, with construction work anticipated after the summer camp season. Price Road completion was described as tentative and dependent on the construction schedule; staff said they hope to be in by the end of summer but cautioned dates remain provisional.
Board members and staff noted outreach opportunities (farmers market tables, ribbon-cutting events) once new spaces come online.
